Harmonic Destinies

Chapter 12 : Visiting Halmeoni

The weekend had arrived, and with it, a bittersweet sense of relief. Taehyung was grateful for the break from school, but it came with the weight of his grandmother's illness pressing heavily on his heart. As he boarded the train to Daegu, he couldn't help but reflect on the events of life. His grandmother had always been his rock, a constant source of love and support. Seeing her in the hospital, connected to machines and tubes, felt like a surreal nightmare.

The train ride felt longer than usual, but he eventually arrived at the hospital, the familiar smell of antiseptic flooding his senses as he stepped through the sliding glass doors. With a quick glance at the directory, he made his way to her room, his heart racing with anticipation and worry.

"Halmeoni...," he called softly as he entered the room. She looked up, her eyes brightening when she saw him. "Taehyung, my dear! You came to visit!"

"Of course, I wouldn't miss it," he said, walking to her bedside and taking her frail hand in his. Her skin felt cool and delicate, but her grip was strong, a reminder of her enduring spirit. They spent the next few hours chatting about everything and nothing. Taehyung shared stories from school, carefully omitting the recent drama. His grandmother listened intently, her laughter filling the room with warmth. However, as the afternoon wore on, he could see the fatigue in her eyes, a stark reminder of the battle she was fighting.

"Do you have your violin with you?" she asked, her voice soft but hopeful. Taehyung hesitated. "I didn't bring it today, Grandma. I thought it might disturb the other patients." He smiled. "Nonsense! A little music would brighten the place up," she insisted, her smile unwavering. "You know I love hearing you play." His grandmother smiled, and with a nod of understanding, Taehyung promised to bring it next time. Just as he was about to check his watch, he heard a familiar voice coming from the hallway.

"Excuse me!" Jungkook's voice rang out, filled with an urgency that made Taehyung's heart skip a beat. The door swung open, and Jungkook entered, crutches under his arms, a determined expression on his face. "I didn't think I'd see you here!" Jungkook felt surprised. "Jungkook!" Taehyung exclaimed, genuinely surprised. "What are you doing here?" he asked nervously. "Just a check-up after my ankle injury," Jungkook replied, a hint of frustration lacing his words. "They said I'd be back on my feet soon, but waiting here feels like torture."

"Yeah, I can imagine," Taehyung said, his eyes darting to his grandmother, who was watching the two of them with a smile. "Is this your grandma?" Jungkook asked, shifting his crutches and extending a hand. "It's nice to meet you, ma'am." Jungkook smiled. "Nice to meet you too, Jungkook. Taehyung has told me so much about you," she said, her voice warm and welcoming. Taehyung cheeks burned up. "Only good things, I hope!" Taehyung joked, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Of course!" Jungkook laughed, and for a moment, the atmosphere lightened, as if the weight of the hospital lifted just a little.

"Would you like to stay for a bit? I'd love to hear you play," she said, her eyes sparkling with hope. Jungkook looked to Taehyung, who nodded encouragingly. "Sure, I'd love to hear you play too," he added, his enthusiasm genuine. "Alright then!" Taehyung stood up, filled with determination. "I'll play something for you both."

Taehyung rushed to the common area of the hospital, searching for an available violin. After a few minutes of asking around, he found one in the music therapy room. It wasn't his own instrument, but it would do. He returned to his grandmother's room, the violin tucked under his chin as he prepared to play.

As he started to play, the notes floated through the air, each one resonating with emotion. He played a piece he had composed, one that captured the beauty and peace of life, perfectly echoing the sentiments he felt for his grandmother. Jungkook listened, captivated by Taehyung's talent, his gaze unwavering as he watched the way Taehyung's fingers danced across the strings. When the last note faded, Taehyung lowered the violin, glancing over at his grandmother, who had tears glistening in her eyes. "That was beautiful, my dear. Thank you."